Gift-giving can be so challenging. I keep a Google document full of gift ideas for people, but whereas for some I have 20 ideas, for others I have none! The person for whom I find it hardest to shop for? My Dad!

After racking my brain for a unique gift this year for Father's Day, I gave up, thought of my Dad's favorite food, and went for it. I'm still relatively new to frying, but I am no longer intimidated by the process and my Dad loves old-fashioned cake doughnuts.

Doughnuts are not my thing. That is not to say that I won't eat them or that I don't think they taste good (of course they do). But they definitely aren't something I crave and I'll always choose a bagel, croissant, or scone over a doughnut. That might be, however, because I've never had one that is homemade and still warm... served on Father's Day with coffee and fresh fruit. These have a slightly crispy exterior and a cake-y interior... they are a touch sweet, but not overwhelmingly so... and while you could glaze or frost these doughnuts or roll them in sugar and cinnamon, there really is no need. These doughnuts appear plain and simple... but taste the exact opposite!

2. Add 3 cups of the flour, beating until blended. Add one more cup of flour and beat well. The dough should be soft and sticky but firm enough to handle. If you feel its necessary, add up to 1/2 cup more flour.

4. Remove your dough from the fridge and begin heating about 2" of oil to 360° Fahrenheit in a large, heavy-bottomed pan (I used my Le Creuset).

5. Working half the dough at a time, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2" thickness. Cut out circles using a doughnut cutter or large biscuit or cookie cutter. For the center, I used part of the lid to my blender - just improvise if you don't have a small, circle cookie cutter. The cap of a martini shaker would work, too, or even just a knife.

6. Gently lower the doughnuts in batches into the hot oil using a slotted metal spoon. Flip them over as they puff and turn them a couple more times as they cook. They will take about 2-3 minutes in total and will be lovely and golden brown all over. The donut holes will take about 2 minutes.

7. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and set them on paper towels or brown paper bag (great for removing the oil). You can glaze your doughnuts or toss them with cinnamon and sugar... or just eat them as-is. And "as-is" is awesome!